WElcome to you Wildflwr43......
So glad to found us. Yup, you have options. It's really going to depend on what you and your body handle best. It's a true test of time and will power to find the one that is right for you.
Your first and best defense is what your doing here. Educated yourself and do it well. Too many doctors don't know much about this disorder. Even fewer know how to treat it well. The secret is for you to be your own Gatekeeper with your treatment. There is tons of great information on this board. You'll have great reading ahead of you here.
Mirapex is fine. Many people have used it for years and had good results. Not so good for others. For myself, it worked maybe 6-8 months before I had to up the dose. I did this off and on for 2 years and decided to go a different path. I take percodan 1/4 - 1/2 tab in the early evenings and am seeing good results. I'm not 100 % free from symptoms or pain, but I can handle what I've got now. Sleep is returning to my life with the aid of medications.
You are going to want to print off and read the "RLS handbook" ....
RLS Algorithm
http://www.mayo.edu/proceedings/2004/jul/7907crc.pdf
This is what is used, for now, as a treatment and diagnosis plan. It will help to print off two. One for you to study and the other for any doctors you go to. This is a good way to learn about the medications that are most often used to treat RLS. All are "off-label" use right now, nothing yet approved to target RLS. You might find that one medication works for you. You may need more than one medication to cover the symptoms, a RLS COCKTAIL of sorts.
Below is a link to the Southern Califorina Group. It has a medical card to print off. It is complete with a listing of drugs that RLSers need to avoid. Very helpful.
http://www.rlshelp.org/
There is also the non-pharm thread on this board, helpful things that people have tried. Of course, they don't all work for everyone, just like medications. It's just nice to add some choices.
The last link I will give you is the RLS REBEL, Jill Gunzel. She has a great website full of non-pharm tips to help anyone cope.
www.rlsrebel.com
Diane, this is really what you need. You know your body, lifestyle, and what your willing to take. It really comes down to your Quality of life and what you need to do to have a good one. According to the Southern California Group Trazdone should not effect your RLS in a bad way. However, I would let any doctor know your taking it. It may not mix well with certain medications.
I hope this helps in some way. It at least had to make you sleepy, Haha ha ha.
WElcome to the group. We've got a great group and I'm sure you'll find them helpful and caring.
Look forward to hearing how things are going for you.